The applicant must convince the person he’s speaking to that he is the “right man” for the job, that his profile fits and that he is motivated. In two words: being hired!

The interview is usually a private discussion with a company executive or a firm consultant.

A/ How to prepare for the interview?

Be positive! Being invited for an interview means that the company is interested in you, don’t appear as a looser, you’d minimize your chances of success. Better tell yourself:

What decision should I make to be even more efficient today?

Practical rules before a first interview :

- Generally, when on a job search, accept all proposed interviews: it makes good training for future interviews.

- If you have to ask for reimbursement of travelling expenses, state it during the first telephone conversation. You can get an interview confirmation letter for ANPE or ASSEDIC or other.

- Confirm meeting by mail or telephone before the set date.

- Ask precise name and post of the person you are to see.

- Read the job offer again.

- Recall all oral or written information already at hand.

- Be prepared to be asked for references.

- Have a writing pad, your CV, degrees and attestations of employment.

- Have everything you need ready the night before and set off early so as to avoid panicking if the traffic is jammed or the metro blocked.

Thought :

An interview has to be prepared: how will you get a prospective employer interested in you?

You have to show him:

- your concern for improvement

- your listening skills

- your perfect knowledge of the product

Try to get information on the company: products, distribution, outlets, press clippings…

All this will make you more at ease with the person you’re speaking to and will lend weight to your pitch.

You have to be a good listener and to identify a prospective employer’s expectations before starting to argue your case.

B/ The interview

Be on time!

Dress :

Remember that the first impression often is the right one; during the interview, your attitude is significant.

Every detail counts, it’s not a question of putting on “fancy dress”, it’s about giving the best possible image. Everyone conveys a personal image, a look that influences the recruiter. It is taught in Public Relations that a speaker “is seen before he is heard”.

Presentation of career path :

Usually, the beginning of the interview is dedicated to the applicant’s career development. You must be able to say straight out why you’ve changed jobs, companies.

In a CV, every blank is visible. Don’t try to hide failures but to the contrary, accept it and analyze the reasons for it. No applicant is perfect; they all have their strong points and their weak points.
Don’t cheat, what you say can easily be checked, and will most probably be, and you will be tested on your claims (especially languages).

Attitude during interview :

Be yourself, relaxed, answer questions clearly and precisely. Don’t tell your “life story” but meet the other person’s expectations. Visualize yourself in the position you’re seeking.

- You have to give convincing arguments specifying why you want to work with that company.

- You have to make your liking for creativity and your concern for self-improvement and progress stand out.

- You have to show your power, your know-how, your faith and your strong product feeling. Convey your enthusiasm and the fact that you’re able to take risks.

Ask questions about the job and company; convey your motivation but don’t lead the interview. Give concrete examples and put forward what the person wants to hear.

Always thank the person who sees you for his time and thought so as to end the meeting having gained his confidence.
Don’t hesitate do ask who will call the next meeting and within what time frame.

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to say goodbye to your prospective employer, to thank him, to shake hands “firmly” with him.

Confirm by email or mail your interest in the job.

Carole GLASMAN

CG CONSEIL R.H.